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This is
the preferred way to get Windows XP Service Pack 2Starting 16 August 16 2004, Windows XP computers set to
Automatically Update (AU) will start receiving Service Pack 2. Not
all computers, just a limited number a day. This will continue
until all Windows XP computers set to AU have SP-2 installed.
To set for AU:
Right click My Computer, click Properties
Click Automatic Update tab.
Check "Automatic (recommended)"
Click OK and follow prompts.
If you pay for bandwidth or you are limited on internet time, you may be
better off using one of the options listed in Step 1 below. Otherwise AU
may be the best and easiest way to get SP-2 installed.
If SP-2 is needed immediately or if you anticipate or experience any
problems, follow the steps listed below.
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PLEASE NOTE- IMPORTANT!!

The pre-release
versions of Windows XP SP2 and Windows Update were for testing
purposes only!

Please do not
depend on the pre-release versions of Windows Update to keep your
computer secure and up to date. If you are not a Windows XP SP2 Beta
program participant, you can keep your computer secure and up to
date by visiting the
http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com
site. If you are part of
the Windows XP SP2 Beta program, please take extra care regarding
computer security as you may NOT be able to go back to the Windows
Update V4 site.

Installing any Beta or Release Candidates is
unsupported and strictly AT YOUR OWN RISK, do not install unless you know exactly what
you are doing.

All
licenses to use the pre-release versions of Windows XP Service Pack
2 expired on the public release fo the final version of SP-2

Any
users of a pre-release build of SP-2 should make immediate plans to
install the final release version of SP-2

If
you slipstreamed one of the pre-release versions, you may not be
able to install the final version. If that is the case, you
may need to perform a Clean Installation of Windows XP.

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Invalid Product Key
If you get this message while installing or updating to Service Pack 2 any
build or installing any update, verify validity of your Product ID.
For confirmation follow the instructions on the How to tell site:How to Tell
If you suspect your version is not legitimate, contact Microsoft:Reporting Microsoft Piracy

1. How do I change the way Security Center
alerts me?Go to Security Center in Control Panel.
Click "Change the way Security Center alerts me" on the left side.
Check as desired.WARNING: If
you uncheck something, you may not get any warnings if there is a
problem with that feature.

2. Why does my EULA
state the license is valid for 180 days?
When The RTM (Final Release) version is installed over a pre-release
version the EULA text is not always changed.
A few have experimented by setting the date more than 6 months ahead
with no effects.
There appears to be nothing other than the 180 day reference so this is
really a non issue.
Those installing SP-2 without a pre-release version installed may not
have this issue.
Those uninstalling the pre-release version before installing SP-2 may
not have this issue.

3. Do I
need to install Service Pack 1 or any other updates before installing
Service Pack 2?
No, Service Pack 2 is cumulative and includes all prior Critical
Updates.
There is also no need to uninstall any previous updates.

4. Do I need to
uninstall RC-1, RC-2 or any other Beta of Service Pack 2 before I
install the final version?
Microsoft has stated SP-2 will install OK without uninstalling RC-1 or
RC-2.
Microsoft does not support installing the final version with any other
pre-release versions installed and suggests you uninstall other
versions.
I suggest uninstalling RC-1, RC-2 and any other pre-release version to
help make sure all Beta code is off the computer.FAQ #2 (Why does my EULA state the license is valid for 180 days?) may
result from remaining Beta code.

5. During boot my computer used
to say "Microsoft Windows XP Professional" or "Microsoft Windows XP
Home" and after installing Service Pack 2 it simply says "Microsoft
Windows XP" What is the problem?Nothing, all is well. Microsoft made that subtle change for reasons
only they may know.

6. What is the schedule
for releasing Windows XP Service Pack 2?See Above "Approximate Release schedule for Windows
XP Service Pack 2, Subject to change"

7. I get notified
by Automatic Update that SP-2 is ready, I pressed the button and it seems like nothing is
going to happen and I have already waited many hours.

This is normal. It is part
of the process used in deploying SP-2 in an effort to
keep from
overwhelming the servers, both Microsoft servers and other
servers, in the chain providing internet service to your
computer.Copied from Microsoft sends security update to home PCs:
"Microsoft plans to cap the number of home PCs updated each
day so that demand for the update does not overwhelm
servers".

The other two options ("Automatic" & "Download updates")
will not see this because SP-2 will be downloaded
automatically and you will only be prompted toinstall
SP-2 and to accept the EULA.

Think of it like
this.
How many Windows XP computers are set to Automatic Update
and do not have SP-2?
What would happen if they all attempted to get SP-2 at the
same time?
No business including Microsoft could take that short term
surge.
The entire internet would have major problems and be unable
to deliver that much data at one time.